The Western Region, long the heartbeat of Ghana’s extractive industry, is facing a volatile standoff.
In the community of Salman and four others in Nzema East District, residents have issued a formal petition to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, demanding an immediate investigation into alleged illegal mining on land held by Adamus Resources Limited.
The Context:
Community Under Pressure
Salman is no stranger to the complexities of large-scale mining.
As a community situated within the Ellembelle District, its residents have lived alongside the Nzema Gold Project for years.
Under the Ghana Mining Act, large-scale concessions like those held by Adamus Resources are meant to be strictly regulated.
However, the “Galamsey” crisis a term derived from the phrase “gather them and sell” has become a national flashpoint.
While the Mahama administration has publicly campaigned against unregulated mining to protect the environment, local communities often feel the “small-man” is arrested while the well-connected operate with impunity.
Arrests and Corporate Complicity:
The current unrest follows a targeted operation by the Essiama District Police Command, sanctioned by District Chief Executive (DCE) Joseph Agyekum. While five illegal miners were taken into custody, the arrests revealed a deeper rot.
According to police statements, security officers from Adamus Resources allegedly admitted to a link between the company and the unauthorized mining suspects. This has sparked a “double standard” controversy:
The Barrier:
Local youth attempting to form legal, responsible mining cooperatives claim they are met with military intimidation and denied leases.
The Loophole:
Unlicensed groups appear to be operating on the same concessions with the tacit approval of corporate security.
“Middleman” and Presidential Connection:
At the center of the community’s grievance is a figure they identify as Alfred Mahama, the President’s brother.
Residents allege that Alfred Mahama acts as a liaison between Adamus Resources and the illegal operators at four separate sites across the Nzema East District.
The petition raises a stinging question for the Jubilee House:
Is the President’s own family undermining the government’s official “War on Galamsey”?
The youth of Salman have openly called on President Mahama to “call his brother to order,” fearing that political lineage is being used to bypass the Mining Act.
Environmental Degradation:
The dispute is not merely over gold, but survival.
The illegal operations have devastated the Subile and Broma rivers, which serve as the lifeblood for Salman and surrounding villages.
Water Security:
Rivers used for drinking and cleaning are now heavily silted and chemically polluted.
Food Security:
Local fishing, a primary protein source for the Nzema people, has collapsed as the aquatic ecosystems fail.
The Ultimatum
The community’s petition to Minister Armah-Kofi Buah who also serves as the local Member of Parliamentdemands three things:
Legal clarity on concession leasing, an immediate halt to all activity on the disputed land, and a probe into the management of Adamus Resources.
The youth of Salman have issued a one-week ultimatum.
They warn that if the government and the mining firm do not provide a transparent resolution, the community will be forced to mobilize and secure the concession by force.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Ellembelle.
